Postgraduate Courses in Manufacturing Engineering

Manufacturing makes up a fifth of the UK economy and supports sixty per cent of our exports. The future potential for this sector is huge. Contrary to widespread perception, the total output of UK manufacturing has not declined over the last 25 years; it has actually grown. The model of the UK becoming an all-service economy, the world’s leading repository of professional skills, is enormously appealing – but totally unrealistic. An economy based on service industries alone will not survive in the longer term. Although it is manufacturing where the UK has so far felt the brunt of global competition, the build-up of skilled capability in the developing nations, thanks to developments in information and communications technology, is equally a threat to the service industries. Studying a postgraduate course in manufacturing engingeering can put you at the forefront of this growing industry. Read on to discover how a postgraduate course in manufacturing engineering can benefit you.

European manufacturing has great potential as part of a sustainable EU economy, but its success will depend upon continuous innovation in products, processes and systems. Industrial transformation is a must. However, in order to meet the competitive, environmental and social challenges, a concerted effort is needed to transform European manufacturing from a resource intensive to a knowledge intensive, innovative sector capable of achieving and maintaining technological and production leadership in the global market place.

The Government’s Manufacturing Strategy published in 2002 recognises the huge potential of the manufacturing sector for the UK economy and the importance of knowledge for its success. “Looking ahead, the opportunities are there for British manufacturers to seize. The UK’s many advantages include that of a world-class science base. As our scientists and engineers push forward the boundaries of their knowledge, the scope for our manufacturers to exploit these developments for commercial gain is huge.”

Career opportunities

The Government has a significant programme of investment in the manufacturing sector and has recognised the importance of universities in developing the skills and networks needed to enable this sector to exploit knowledge better. Opportunities are diverse and international, with graduates progressing to senior positions in industry.

Certainly successful students from Cranfield have gone on to a wide range of careers in manufacturing, logistics, IT, business systems analysis, manufacturing management consultancy, research and development, and academia.

Why postgraduate study?

UK Manufacturing traditionally employed lower skilled workers but with increasing developments in technology improving productivity and competitiveness, highly skilled professionals are needed to exploit the potential and to adopt new innovations, increasing overall productivity and performance.

Studying a postgraduate course in manufacturing engineering gives you access to the skilled science and research base that is driving the growth in the manufacturing sector. At this level, students are able to specialise in key areas of interest and develop a competitive edge over other manufacturing graduates.

There are a number of considerations, such as time and financial restraints, in deciding to undertake postgraduate study, but broadly, students:

Have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as science, engineering, IT and business graduates and wish to enter the manufacturing or related industries;

Are offered continued professional development by their employer to assist in their future career development and direction;

Are interested in a career in the application of modern information-based technologies, manufacturing systems and want to take advantage of the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this sector.

What types of courses are available?

There are an increasing number of manufacturing courses emerging at postgraduate level. Postgraduate programmes are generally taught or research based. Taught programmes are largely facilitated through a combination of lectures, tutorials, case studies, workshops and individual and/or group projects, which will be assessed through examination or assignment. Taught programmes generally fall into one of three qualifications: postgraduate certificate (PGCert), postgraduate diploma (PgDip) and Masters (scientific designation MSc).

Research programmes are generally assessed through a self-directed project, with a minor element of formal training.

Considerations when choosing a course

A number of factors are important in selecting a course suitable for an individual. Some of these may include the quality or perceived reputation of the University. Advice can be gleaned from other students, advisers and employers.

With sights set on employment the relationship of the institution to industry is also important. Explore the balance of lectures to project work and the relationship of the organisation to industry. Projects in collaboration with industry provide opportunities for interaction and networking with prospective employers and possibly assistance with finance through sponsorship opportunities. Explore examples of student project work and employment uptake of former graduates.

Consider the course structure and content. Weightings of the taught component to any research activity will vary. Some emphasis on management provides more general knowledge and expertise as well as personal transferable skills needed in project work and for a successful career in industry (or research).

Some taught courses are modular. For part-time students shared learning on modules can be an advantage over distance learning. Social interaction or team-work is also a key part of the learning in group projects, an activity that is well received at Cranfield. Students work as a team on a multi-disciplinary problem of industrial relevance developing interpersonal skills which are essential for industry.

Consider resources and support. An entirely postgraduate establishment can offer a stand-alone Masters course which is based on industry requirements as opposed to the content of the undergraduate course.

If staff are actively involved in manufacturing research and/or consultancy with industry, then the teaching should be informed by high quality research and can also provide access to state of the art and/or unique facilities. A good staff-student ratio should provide great accessibility to staff, excellent support and direct access to the facilities.

Author: Hossein Soltan, Programme Director, MSc Manufacturing, Cranfield University
www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/masters

Postgraduate Courses in Manufacturing Engineering

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